DENVER, CO–NCADV is disappointed that the charges against Ray Rice, former Baltimore Ravens NFL running back, were dismissed today by the New Jersey court system.

According to New Jersey’s pretrial intervention website, the pretrial intervention program (PTI) is used in “victimless crimes” and criminal cases that do not involve “violence.” Given the severity of Mr. Rice’s violence and the charges filed against him, it is concerning that this program was ever presented, and accepted as an option.

We believe completion of the PTI is hardly proof of personal change, nor was the program appropriate for his crime of domestic violence.

The Criminal justice system has essentially sanctioned and reinforced the reality that society and systems still do not understand the prevalence and crime of domestic violence. The message sent by these actions is that perpetrators of domestic violence will not be held accountable for their crimes.

“This is an example of why victims don’t come forward, why they do not feel safe, and why we still can’t trust systems to hold perpetrators accountable,” says Ruth Glenn.

Until domestic violence is adjudicated as a violent crime and systems hold perpetrators accountable, victims of domestic violence will never be safe.

The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV), has worked since 1978 to make every home a safe home. NCADV works to raise awareness about domestic violence; to educate and create programming and technical assistance, to assist the public in addressing the issue, and to support those impacted by domestic violence. Learn more at www.ncadv.org.

Phillip Gouaux introduced himself as a council member from Lafourche Parish April 29 before delivering stunning testimony — in a few short breaths — to a panel of lawmakers at the Louisiana State Capitol.

“I’ll bring you back about 16 months ago. At that time, my ex-son-in-law, who is remarried, drowned his wife — his current wife. Came to my house, shot me, killed my wife,” he paused, touched his mustache and muttered, “Excuse me,” before starting again. “And proceeded to shoot one of my daughters.”

The House’s Administration of Criminal Justice Committee was hearing a bill aimed at strengthening laws to protect victims of domestic violence. Among the provisions were enhanced penalties for strangulation, enhanced penalties for violations of protective orders and an expansion of the type of offenders who qualify to be charged with domestic abuse battery.

The legislation, sponsored by state Rep. Helena Moreno, D-New Orleans, is a product of the Domestic Violence Prevention Commission. The group was born out of a resolution from last year’s legislative session for the purpose of recommending new legislation to curb domestic violence. It is comprised of judges, prosecutors, district attorneys, social workers, law enforcement and others.

But because of the influence on lawmakers of gun lobby groups, like the National Rifle Association, who oppose the bill, Moreno said there’s no chance some of the more impactful provisions will pass.

About a month before the incident, Freeman strangled his then wife. A restraining order followed. A year-and-a-half before the rampage, Freeman was charged with a misdemeanor for stalking Gouaux’s daughter, the one to whom he was once married. He was sentenced to anger management and received no recourse when he failed to attend the classes, Gouaux said. “The courts truly failed us.”

About a half dozen other people testified about abuse they took or close encounters with abusers that were immediately preceded by stalking. Some in the audience wiped tears.